Suzhou museum unveils rare masterpiece
Nanjing — Not far away from where Tang Yin was born, a special exhibition featuring the original paintings and calligraphy of the distinguished master from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) took place in East China's Suzhou city.
One particular painting stood out as the exhibition's centerpiece — Two Sparrows on a Tree. The authenticated masterpiece captures the serene beauty of spring as a pair of sparrows revel in nature's embrace.
To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Tang's death, the Suzhou Bay Museum specially curated this exclusive exhibition. It was the first time the masterpiece went on public display since 2010.
"It's considered a treasure of our museum, and rightly so. Genuine paintings by Tang Yin are scarce, with fewer than 200 authenticated pieces known to exist. Among these, work depicting flowers and birds are especially rare, with only two such paintings confirmed to be in existence today," says Ru Yuelai, curator of the Suzhou Bay Museum.
According to the museum, the masterpiece was once again found in the late 1970s.
Its composition, which refers to the techniques of Song Dynasty (960-1279) artists, is exquisitely detailed. Against the backdrop of a camellia tree, Tang depicted a scene in which twin sparrows engage in intimate interaction.
Accompanying the painting is a poem by Tang himself: "Do not take advantage when the mantis loses its nest, someone is taking aim at the birds". Through this verse, the master infused the painting with a profound sense of worldly wisdom that transcends the mere portrayal of flowers and birds.
Better known by his courtesy name Bohu, Tang was celebrated for his multifaceted talent at painting, calligraphy, and poetry. His work predominantly captured the allure of Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River where he was both born and laid to rest.
He emerged from the thriving merchant class of Suzhou, as the eldest son of a restaurant owner. Tang devoted himself to diligent study during his youth, showing little interest in material wealth. His exceptional talent later earned him recognition as one of the preeminent figures of Jiangnan.
However, his life took a dramatic turn after a bribery scandal thwarted his ambitions for further official progress, leading him down a path of artistic indulgence.
Tang's unconventional way of life has inspired storytellers to portray him as a mischievous character in Chinese folklore, a depiction that has been adapted into numerous plays and films.
"I never expected I could appreciate the beauty of my favorite painting in such an immersive dream-scape, it's like a dialogue across time and space," says one visitor surnamed Shi, standing before a digitized version of the masterpiece projected on a large screen.
Related articles
UN food agency warns that the new US sea route for Gaza aid may fail unless conditions improve
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.N. World Food Program said Tuesday the new U.S. $320 million pier project fo2024-05-22Mel B looks incredible in a red cut
Mel B looked incredible as she joined her fellow Spice Girls as well as Hollywood A-listers to celeb2024-05-22- BERLIN (AP) — Marvin Ducksch scored twice for Werder Bremen to end Stuttgart’s 11-game unbeaten run2024-05-22
1 killed, 9 inured when car collides with county bus in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A vehicle crashed into a Milwaukee County bus Saturday evening, killing one person2024-05-22Kentucky congressman expects no voter fallout for his role in attempt to oust House speaker
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Fresh off his role in a failed attempt to topple the House speaker, Republica2024-05-22Queen Mary of Denmark shares sweet portrait of daughter Princess Isabella
Queen Mary of Denmark has shared heartwarming pictures of her daughter Princess Isabella to mark he2024-05-22
atest comment